My Name is Lizzie Flynn
A Story of the Rajah Quilt
Age 7+
Based on the story of a quilt that was made by convict women on board the Rajah, bound for Australia.
Lizzie Flynn has nothing but her name when she boards the Rajah, which is bound for the penal colony of Australia. On board the Rajah the convict women were given a "useful bag" containing among other things fabric and needle and thread. The women were taught to sew and together they made the Rajah quilt which is currently housed in the National Library.
Creators
Claire Saxby writes award-winning fiction, non-fiction and poetry for young people. She writes about history, about nature and more. Her books include Nature Storybooks (Big Red Kangaroo, Emu, Koala, Dingo, Kookaburra, Great White Shark, Tasmanian Devil and Wedge-tailed Eagle) which celebrate Australian wildlife and the places they live. Her historical novel, The Wearing of the Green, explores early colonial Melbourne. Claire lives by the sea and believes our world is a place of many wonders. For further information visit www.clairesaxby.com
As a child, Lizzy Newcomb would sit and watch her dad draw and hand-colour his architectural plans; this inspired her love of art. Sydney-born and raised, she spent most of her childhood exploring the bushland near her home and began a love affair with nature. Lizzy has studied nursing, travelled throughout Europe and Scandinavia, and run a business producing handmade ceramic pieces. In 2006 her first solo exhibition sold out and she has held an exhibition each year since. My Name is Lizzie Flynn (written by Claire Saxby) is her first book.
Reviews
…poignant story
Books+Publishing
An interesting book, and plausible story about the life on a convict ship.
103.1FM Grafton
I have long loved the work of Claire Saxby and her latest work is no exception – in fact it possibly my new favourite illustrated fiction book
Children's Books Daily
This wonderfully illustrated book gives readers an insight into the perils of being sent to Australia, and the industry of some in making the best of it, as well as a taste of what some of our forebears endured in making the forced trip.
ReadPlus
Hauntingly told and beautifully illustrated, Lizzie’s story will resonate with a young and older audience.
Readings
